Santa Clara, Calif., February 22, 2012 — As flat panel displays become more prevalent in applications such as navigation, multi-functional in-console monitors, and rear seat entertainment, NPD DisplaySearch expects shipments for the automotive segment to grow by nearly 50%, from 42 million units in 2011 to 62 million in 2015.

“The demand for automotive monitors continues to increase as displays play a growing role in an increasing number of applications for automobiles,” noted Hiroshi Hayase, NPD DisplaySearch Vice President of Small/Medium Display Research. “With the growing production of hybrid and electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf, we forecast strong growth for this segment.”

Due to the growing use of electronics in automobiles, displays used in vehicles are multi-functional, providing safety indications, energy information, entertainment, and other conveniences while driving. In-car navigation is becoming more prevalent around the globe, as it enables safer driving by allowing drivers to focus on the road, and saves time by allowing drivers to avoid traffic and accidents.

With increased performance requirements, including higher resolution and wider color gamut for maps and other information, TFT LCDs are gaining ground over passive matrix displays for console applications.

Figure 1: Automotive Display Demand by Application (Shipments)

Source: NPD DisplaySearch Automotive Displays Report

Japanese LCD manufacturers such as Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba are focused on the development of TFT LCDs for automotive monitors because of their ability to produce high-quality small/medium displays and the higher profit margin potential. In this segment, Sharp led with a 24.5% share, followed by Sony with an 18.9% share and Toshiba with a 14.7% share.

About NPD DisplaySearch
Since 1996, NPD DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. NPD DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge and resources. In collaboration with The NPD Group, its parent company, NPD DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on NPD DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at http://www.displaysearch.com/. Read our blog at http://www.displaysearchblog.com/ and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
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